Preoperative Geriatric Assessment - #64

Identify key assessment areas and available tools to assist in determining appropriateness of surgical intervention in geriatric patients. This ideally includes a comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment of function, cognition, nutrition, medication management, social support, frailty. This information is then integrated with patient and family goals and preferences to develop an integrated plan for treatment and follow up.

An increasing proportion of the aging population is undergoing surgery.[i] Individuals age in different ways. Identification of frail older adults, particularly those with decreased cognitive and functional reserve, is a key component of preoperative assessment.[ii]

The increased risks of postsurgical complications in frail older adults require an individualized care process[iii] as postoperative complications increase the risk of 30-day readmission four fold, and the potential costs are high.[iv]

[i] Etzioni DA, Liu JH, Maggard MA, Ko CY. The aging population and its impact on the surgery workforce. Annals of Surgery 2003;238:170-7

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